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2010 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
37

1996 Ferrari F355 Spider

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine V8, 3496cc
Gearbox 6-speed manual
Body Work Spider
Colour Giallo Modena 'Yello
Interior Black
Trim Leather
Wheels Cast alloy
Brakes Disc with ABS

Description

This lot is no longer available

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest Ferraris of the modern era, the F355 was launched in 1994 and was a quantum leap over the previous V8 models in every area. The F355 looked fabulous, losing the controversial side strakes of the 348 and was a far more harmonious, balanced overall design. The 3.5-litre V8 had five valves per cylinder and developed 380bhp at an ear-splitting 8250rpm to deliver performance that put the car firmly in the big league - 0-100km/h was dispatched in 4.7 seconds and the top speed was approaching 300km/h. The handling was improved by locating the new six-speed gearbox longitudinally behind the engine and fitting a flat undertray (with venturis at the rear) while the interior was also one of Ferrari's best, beautifully detailed and finished. A popular option was the F1 paddle-shift gearbox and the F355 came in three different body styles - coupe (berlinetta), targa (GTS) and spider. There were just 2,663 spiders built, with electronically controlled folding top that stowed neatly away under a canvas hood and giving little away in terms of outright performance and handling to its fixed-head stablemate. As the English Car magazine wrote , the F355 is "...the work of a marque that knows it makes the best sports cars in the world, but still shocks the rest with the depth of its brilliance."